Batman Beyond, Justice League Beyond Get New Writers This Summer

DC Comics's digital-first line of comics set in the world of Batman Beyond are getting a creative shuffle this summer with Nightwingscribe Kyle Higgins heading to Batman Beyond with artist Thony Silas. Sean Murphy and colorist Jordie Bellaire will tackle cover duties. Justice League Beyond will inherit writer Christos Gage and artist Iban Coello.

"I was, and still am, a huge fan of the show," Higgins told IGN. "In fact, some of my all-time favorite Batman moments come from Batman Beyond. I remember watching the pilot with my dad, initially skeptical about a futuristic teenage Batman. But Terry won me over very quickly, which is a testament to Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, et al. Terry was headstrong and cocky, often didn’t make the right decision, but had a strong moral compass and worked hard to live up to the mantle of Batman. He was someone you could root for."

For Gage's part, he'll be writing widescreen stories but without losing the focus on character that has made the series work.

"One of my favorite sequences in the first story arc is when a co-worker of Superman's asks him out, and he is trying to plan his first date in who knows how long, and he's asking the various members of the League what they think makes for a good date," said Gage. "That was a blast to write. The tragedies he's experienced make Superman both stronger and more vulnerable, so we'll be exploring that."

Before the new teams take over, guest writer Scott Peterson and artist Annie Wu will introduce a new cast member as Batgirl Beyond will be making her official first appearance in her own arc this July. According to the article, "The identity of this future Batgirl is unknown at this point, but according to DC, she's going to have a healthy working relationship with Commissioner Barbara Gordon." Even money is, it's a new character a la Terry McGinnis, although she does have a logo that recalls Cassandra Cain...